What is affirmative action? A history of the college admissions practice
The Supreme Court ruled affirmative action in college admissions at Harvard and UNC are unconstitutional. The repercussions could be far-reaching.
Affirmative Action
Supreme Court ends affirmative action
The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that college admission policies that consider race as a factor violate the Constitution, bringing an end to affirmative action in a decision that is likely to reverberate across college and university campuses nationwide. Gayle King anchored CBS News' special report.
Obamas react to affirmative action decision
Former first lady Michelle Obama said her "heart breaks for any young person out there who's wondering what their future holds" following the Supreme Court ruling striking down the use of affirmative action in college admissions. Former President Barack Obama said affirmative action, while not perfect, "allowed generations of students like Michelle and me to prove we belonged." Ed O'Keefe has more.
How Harvard's admissions process may change after the Supreme Court ruling
Some states have already banned race-conscious college admissions policies. Here's what happened to schools in those regions.
Read the fierce dissents in the Supreme Court's affirmative action ruling
"With let-them-eat-cake obliviousness, today, the majority pulls the ripcord and announces 'colorblindness for all' by legal fiat," Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote.
How each Supreme Court justice voted on the affirmative action cases
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion for both cases.
Read the Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action in college admissions
The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that race-conscious admission policies of Harvard College and the University of North Carolina violate the Constitution.
How colleges use affirmative action
The Supreme Court will likely decide if affirmative action can be used in the college admissions process this week. The two cases before the court build off decades of debate and legal challenges. Lana Zak has more on this.
Supreme Court decisions expected in key cases
The Supreme Court has 10 opinions left to release this term. If the court stays true to its schedule, this week, there will be potentially historic judgements on affirmative action in college admissions and student loan forgiveness. Major Garrett reports from the Supreme Court.
North Carolina governor on abortion law
In the last few days, North Carolina Republicans rolled out adjustments to a new law set to take effect Saturday that bans most abortions in the state after 12 weeks, including clarification that medication abortions also are allowed up until 12 weeks. Democratic legislators say the changes are meant to thwart a federal lawsuit filed last week. North Carolina Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper joins "America Decides" to discuss the future of abortion rights in his state.
CBS News poll: Most say colleges shouldn't factor race into admissions
Attitudes can be connected to perceptions of discrimination; but affirmative action more generally finds narrow support.
Opponents, supporters of affirmative action face off
With the Supreme Court poised to decide two cases challenging the use of race as a consideration in college and university admissions, correspondent Rita Braver talks with the man responsible for launching multiple cases against affirmative action in higher education, as well as with advocates for and against maintaining the policy.
Affirmative action opponents, supporters debate "colorblind" college admissions
With the Supreme Court poised to decide two cases challenging the consideration of race in college and university admissions, advocates both for and against discuss maintaining or eliminating the policy.
CDC panel votes to stop recommending birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, with members appointed by RFK Jr., voted to change longstanding recommendations on the hepatitis B vaccine.
Live
Live updates as 2026 FIFA World Cup draw revealed
The 2026 Men's World Cup will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The draw is being revealed from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Netflix to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $82.7 billion
Netflix on Friday said it will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
White House claims Europe facing "civilizational erasure" in 2 decades
The Trump administration says societal threats mean some European nations may not be "strong enough to remain reliable allies."
Minnesota officials saw signs of massive fraud even before COVID hit
In July 2019, Minnesota state officials spotted early signs of fraud that would eventually siphon away more than $1 billion in taxpayer money, sources told CBS News.
Texas flood disaster 911 calls released: "Some callers did not survive"
Kerrville Police Chief Chris McCall warned that the calls received by dispatchers are distressing.
Mystery drones seen over Ireland during Zelenskyy's visit
After a number of drone sightings near European airports and military bases, mysterious aircraft were seen over Ireland as Ukraine's Zelenskyy visited.
7 tons of cocaine seized off Colombia, 11 arrested unharmed, navy says
The seizures come as Colombian President Gustavo Petro is calling on the U.S. to end strikes in the region against apparent drug-carrying vessels.
Google reveals top search trends of 2025
The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, President Trump's "big, beautiful bill," and the longest government shutdown in U.S. history ranked among Google's top search trends this year.
U.S.
More U.S.
Elon Musk's X fined $140 million for violating EU transparency rules
European regulators said X breached transparency rules under the Digital Services Act, a sweeping EU law intended to protect internet users.
Live
Live updates as 2026 FIFA World Cup draw revealed
The 2026 Men's World Cup will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The draw is being revealed from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Texas flood disaster 911 calls released: "Some callers did not survive"
Kerrville Police Chief Chris McCall warned that the calls received by dispatchers are distressing.
CDC panel votes to stop recommending birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, with members appointed by RFK Jr., voted to change longstanding recommendations on the hepatitis B vaccine.
Google reveals top search trends of 2025
The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, President Trump's "big, beautiful bill," and the longest government shutdown in U.S. history ranked among Google's top search trends this year.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Elon Musk's X fined $140 million for violating EU transparency rules
European regulators said X breached transparency rules under the Digital Services Act, a sweeping EU law intended to protect internet users.
Over $1.7 million raised for 88-year-old Army vet working at grocery store
A former autoworker was given back his retirement through the kindness of strangers.
Netflix to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $82.7 billion
Netflix on Friday said it will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
Despite Trump's pressure, Putin finds an eager trade partner in India
As the White House tries to curb Moscow's energy income, Vladimir Putin enjoys a warm welcome in India, and promises an "uninterrupted supply" of Russian fuel.
These U.S. cities have seen the biggest rent increases since 2020
Rents in the 50 largest cities have surged by hundreds of dollars per month over the last five years, a LendingTree analysis found.
Politics
More Politics
Minnesota officials saw signs of massive fraud even before COVID hit
In July 2019, Minnesota state officials spotted early signs of fraud that would eventually siphon away more than $1 billion in taxpayer money, sources told CBS News.
Jasmine Crockett called Texas Senate race contenders as she weighs jumping into fray
As intrigue grows over whether Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett plans to announce a U.S. Senate campaign next week, she confirmed to CBS News she's spoken with would-be opponents.
Appeals court lets Trump admin. keep National Guard deployed in D.C. for now
A U.S. District Court decision to end the deployment of National Guard members to Washington, D.C., is now on hold.
Operations against Houthis played into Truman Strike Group accidents, Navy finds
Investigations released by the Navy into accidents involving the Truman Carrier Strike Group recommended ensuring processes are followed even when faced with adversity.
4 killed in latest strike on alleged drug boat, Pentagon says
At least 87 people have been killed since the vessel strikes began in early September.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
CDC panel votes to stop recommending birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, with members appointed by RFK Jr., voted to change longstanding recommendations on the hepatitis B vaccine.
Could pets be next for weight loss drugs? Here's what to know about a study.
A clinical study into weight loss drugs for pets just launched, with results from the trial expected by next summer.
CDC panel to vote Friday on hepatitis B vaccine for newborns
The CDC's vaccine advisory panel meets Thursday and Friday to discuss recommendations for the hepatitis B vaccine and the schedule of childhood shots.
12 ex-FDA leaders criticize claims made by agency's current vaccine chief
The former officials said the FDA's plans to revamp how certain life-saving vaccines are handled would "disadvantage the people the FDA exists to protect, including millions of Americans at high risk from serious infections."
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
World
More World
Elon Musk's X fined $140 million for violating EU transparency rules
European regulators said X breached transparency rules under the Digital Services Act, a sweeping EU law intended to protect internet users.
Mystery drones seen over Ireland during Zelenskyy's visit
After a number of drone sightings near European airports and military bases, mysterious aircraft were seen over Ireland as Ukraine's Zelenskyy visited.
White House claims Europe facing "civilizational erasure" in 2 decades
The Trump administration says societal threats mean some European nations may not be "strong enough to remain reliable allies."
7 tons of cocaine seized off Colombia, 11 arrested unharmed, navy says
The seizures come as Colombian President Gustavo Petro is calling on the U.S. to end strikes in the region against apparent drug-carrying vessels.
Despite Trump's pressure, Putin finds an eager trade partner in India
As the White House tries to curb Moscow's energy income, Vladimir Putin enjoys a warm welcome in India, and promises an "uninterrupted supply" of Russian fuel.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Book excerpt: "My Beloved" by Jan Karon
The New York Times bestselling author returns to the village of Mitford in her 15th novel featuring Father Tim Kavanagh.
Amy Allen on songwriting, Grammy nods
Amy Allen, who is up for four Grammys, including songwriter of the year, sits down with Anthony Mason to talk about how she went from a nursing student to writing Grammy-nominated hits for Sabrina Carpenter and other pop stars.
Netflix to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $82.7 billion
Netflix on Friday said it will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
Lucy Liu talks new movie, "Rosemead"
Lucy Liu talks about starring in and producing the movie "Rosemead," why she says the story resonates universally and reflecting on personal experiences for the film.
Steve Cropper, acclaimed guitarist for Booker T. and the M.G.'s, dies at 84
Steve Cropper co-wrote several classics, including "(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay," "Green Onions" and "In the Midnight Hour."
Technology
More Technology
Elon Musk's X fined $140 million for violating EU transparency rules
European regulators said X breached transparency rules under the Digital Services Act, a sweeping EU law intended to protect internet users.
Google reveals top search trends of 2025
The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, President Trump's "big, beautiful bill," and the longest government shutdown in U.S. history ranked among Google's top search trends this year.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Politico: Trump admin. looks to robotics
Leaders in the robotics industry say that to strengthen AI, companies also need a plan for robots. The White House appears to be listening. Yasmin Khorram, economic policy reporter for Politico, joins CBS News to discuss her article on the topic.
Google's top search trends in 2025
Google has released its list of the 2025 top search trends. Robert Ferrera, a Google Trends expert, joins CBS News with more.
Science
More Science
"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Sick ants invite self-sacrifice to save colony: "Come and kill me"
Ant colonies act as one "super-organism" which works to ensure the survival of all, according to a team of scientists.
Mystery owner of ancient foot found in Africa identified, scientists say
The discovery could cast some doubt on the status of Lucy's species as the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.
Most dogs have wolf DNA. These breeds have more than others.
Wolf DNA seems to have influenced the size, smelling power and even personality of modern dog breeds, scientists said.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
More on Letitia James indictments
A federal grand jury refused to re-indict Letitia James, the New York attorney general, after a judge threw out earlier fraud charges against her. Reuters reporter Sarah Lynch joins CBS News with more.
New evidence in Luigi Mangione case
Police bodycam footage of Luigi Mangione's arrest played in court shows officers questioning the suspect in the UnitedHealthcare CEO's murder after receiving a tip about his whereabouts. CBS News' Jericka Duncan reports.
Suspect in D.C. bombs case expected in court
The Justice Department and FBI announced the arrest of a man accused of planting pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the U.S. Capitol riots on January 6, 2021. Scott MacFarlane reports.
Questions about D.C. pipe bombs case suspect
A Virginia man faces two federal charges in connection with the pipe bombs planted in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riots. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports.
7 tons of cocaine seized off Colombia, 11 arrested unharmed, navy says
The seizures come as Colombian President Gustavo Petro is calling on the U.S. to end strikes in the region against apparent drug-carrying vessels.
Space
More Space
"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
Air Force approves SpaceX launch pad expansion
The U.S. Air Force has approved SpaceX's plan to redevelop a historic launch pad at Cape Canaveral. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann reports.
Geomagnetic storm watch issued after powerful solar flare
Solar flares and other activity can disrupt radio communications, power grids and navigation signals, according to NASA.
Scientists think they've detected lightning on Mars: "Missing piece of the puzzle"
Researchers have documented 55 instances of "mini lightning" over two Martian years by eavesdropping on the whirling wind recorded by NASA's Perseverance rover.
Russia sends a NASA astronaut, 2 cosmonauts, up to the space station
The new space station crew includes American Chris Williams, who holds a Ph.D. in astronomy and is a board-certified medical physicist at Harvard Medical School.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Robert Redford 1936-2025
A retrospective look at the actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Institute.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Trump's National Security Strategy document
The Trump administration's newly released National Security Strategy details potential dangers for Europe in the next 20 years. CBS News' Natalie Brand reports.
Breaking down the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will determine the groups and schedule for the highly anticipated global soccer tournament in the Americas. Alan Rothenberg, the former president of the U.S. Soccer Federation, to explain the drawing.
Netflix wins bidding war for Warner Bros.
Netflix announced a deal to buy Warner Bros. for $82.7 billion. Barron's writer Paul La Monica joins CBS News with more.
Amy Allen on songwriting, Grammy nods
Amy Allen, who is up for four Grammys, including songwriter of the year, sits down with Anthony Mason to talk about how she went from a nursing student to writing Grammy-nominated hits for Sabrina Carpenter and other pop stars.
Latest on Supreme Court ruling on Texas map
The Supreme Court is allowing Texas to use its redrawn congressional map for now. CBS News senior politics reporter Melissa Quinn reports on how it may affect other states' efforts to redistrict.